Michael B Muller

US Patent:

49841521, Jan 8, 1991

Filed:

Oct 6, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/106587

Inventors:

Michael J. Muller - Highland Park NJ

Assignee:

Bell Communications Research, Inc. - Livingston NJ

International Classification:

G06F 302
G06F 3033

US Classification:

364200

Abstract:

A human-computer interface for executing computer operations on data objects under control of a multifunctional cursor which represents multiple computer operations visually in the cursor, which facilitates execution of repeated operations through a "cycle" capability, and which decouples pointer and image functionalities in time and space. The interface may be configured with a screen display and a movable region to display a cursor shape, which shape contains multiple icons representative of computer operations. Each computer operation may be executed under the control of a distinct input pattern. Multiple operations may be loaded in one or more sequences, which may themselves by cycled under control of a distinct input pattern. The interface may also be configured with a screen display, a movable region to display a cursor pointer, and an image region to display computer operation icons. One operation from a menu of operations is associated with the image subarea, and then an icon representative of the associated operation is displayed in the image subarea as a local reminder of this operation.